U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would announce new tariff rates on imported semiconductors next week, adding that flexible conditions would be available for some companies in the sector.
The president’s statement suggests that the exclusion of smartphones and computers from the list of goods subject to reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports is likely to be temporary. Trump emphasized that he aims to "reboot" trade in the semiconductor industry.
"We want many companies to bring chip, semiconductor, and other electronics manufacturing back to the U.S.," Trump said to reporters aboard Air Force One during his return to Washington from his estate in West Palm Beach.
Trump did not specify whether smartphones would be permanently excluded from the new tariffs, but added: "We need to maintain some flexibility. No one should be too rigid."
Earlier the same day, he announced the start of an investigation into the security of supply chains in the semiconductor sector.
"We are analyzing semiconductors and the entire electronics supply chain as part of upcoming national security investigations," Trump wrote on social media.
On Friday, the White House announced temporary exemptions from high reciprocal tariffs, giving hope to the tech sector to avoid new restrictions. The decision was also aimed at preventing price hikes on everyday items such as phones and laptops.
However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that new tariffs on critical technology goods from China, including semiconductors, will be implemented in the coming months.
Trump’s tariff announcement last week caused significant fluctuations in the stock market. The S&P 500 index dropped more than 10% since Trump took office.
Lutnick also mentioned that special tariffs on smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices are planned, which will operate alongside the semiconductor and pharmaceutical tariffs. According to him, the new fees will exceed the existing 125% tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.
"Yes, certain goods were exempt from reciprocal tariffs, but they will fall under new semiconductor restrictions in about a month or two," Lutnick noted on ABC.
In response, China also raised its tariffs on American goods to 125%. Beijing stated that it is currently studying the impact of the new exceptions for tech products.
"The bell around the tiger's neck can only be removed by the one who put it there," commented China’s Ministry of Commerce.
Meanwhile, prominent investor Bill Ackman, who supported Trump, urged him to suspend the new tariffs for three months. In his opinion, this would allow U.S. companies to relocate their manufacturing operations from China without haste.
Sven Heinrich, founder of the analytical company NorthmanTrader, sharply criticized the actions of the Trump administration, stating that the constant changes in rhetoric make it difficult for businesses:
"American businesses cannot plan or invest when the official position changes every day."
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the tariff situation an example of "chaos and corruption," not a well-thought-out trade policy.
It was also reported that the U.S. released a list of goods temporarily exempt from additional tariffs. The list includes computers, laptops, disk drives, memory chips, flat displays, and other electronics.
White House trade advisor Peter Navarro confirmed that the U.S. offered China to resume negotiations, although he accused Beijing of using supply chains to spread fentanyl.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer stated that there are currently no plans to organize talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, but there is hope to reach agreements with other countries.
Billionaire Ray Dalio expressed concerns that such a tariff policy could push the U.S. into a recession or even a deeper economic crisis.